SEVEN PICTURE PERFECT SPOTS TO ENJOY IN BRITAIN

Take a look at today’s guest post from outdoors fanatic and content writer for The Case Farm, Rachel Campbell, on seven of the most picturesque places in Britain to spend your August bank holiday weekend.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of an extra day off at the bank holiday weekend. It gets to Sunday and just after the initial feeling of Monday morning dread hits you, you then suddenly realise there’s an extra day off to go!

If you’re planning on getting out and about into the great outdoors this August bank holiday weekend, here are seven handpicked places that are perfect to visit with your camera at the ready, from the photography fanatics at The Case Farm.

1. Derwent Water, The Lake District, England

Avoid the bustling shoreline of Windermere and instead, visit Derwent Water near to Keswick for some fantastic photography opportunities. Spend some time along the shoreline itself, capturing dramatic shots the wooden jetties heading towards the glistening water, or why not hire a kayak and head to Herbert Island, where you can take some shots of the water from an alternative angle?

Derwent Water.

There are also plenty of walking trails surrounding Derwent Water, whether that’s around the 11-mile shoreline circuit or amongst the surrounding hills. One particularly popular hill climb is the trail up Cat Bells, where you can shoot some spectacular images of Derwent Water from the top.

2. Northumberland, England

This North East county is abundant in stunning photography settings, from the magnificent castles to historic landmarks immersed in the countryside.

Spend a bank holiday weekend in Northumberland to enjoy trips to the likes of Alnwick, Dunstanburgh, Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castles. You will find impressive structures from times gone by, that make for some pretty incredible shots. Spend a day wandering the countryside that follows Hadrian’s Wall looking towards the Scottish borders. Top off the weekend with a trip to Roughting Inn, a peaceful and somewhat undiscovered waterfall that’s crying out to be snapped.

View from Lindisfarne (Holy Island).

3. The New Forest, England

Considered to be the UK’s most underrated national park, the New Forest is home to a wealth of sights, sounds and experiences to discover. Enjoy a fantastic bank holiday weekend here, immersing yourself in the wealth of wonderful wildlife and nature on offer.

New Forest pony near Beaulieu.

A walk or cycle in the New Forest is bound to introduce you to the famous locals such as the wild ponies, alongside other wildlife including deer, bats and dragonflies! Capture the vast abundance of heathland, something that nowhere else can compare to.

The woodland offers up some fantastic photography settings, amongst the thousands of ancient trees that reside here. There’s also plenty of pretty towns and villages worth a visit, including Lyndhurst, Hythe and Buckler’s Hard (one of my faves – check out this walk).

Walking from Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest.

4. Fort William, Scotland

Known as the gateway to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, Fort William and its surroundings is an ideal location to spend a bank holiday weekend for some fabulous photography.

From the moment you arrive in town, you will realise just how magnificent your shots of Ben Nevis could be. The mountain view dominates the surrounding scenery and is a fantastic shot to begin filling up your photo album from the weekend! You could even some time hiking up the mountain itself, for some impressive views from the top!

Ben Nevis. Beautiful. Image supplied by writer.

Fort William is also popular with walkers and is the finish line for the West Highland Way. As such, you’re not short on walking trails around the town, where you will find plenty of gorgeous natural scenery to capture on camera. If you’re more of an adrenaline seeker, why not strap on a GoPro and try out some of the world-class mountain biking trails instead?

5. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Britain’s biggest and most breathtakingly beautiful lake, Loch Lomond, is one well worth spending a weekend by. You won’t just have the loch to look forward to either, as it is paired nicely with some of the most stunning countryside found in Scotland, that makes up the Trossachs.

Loch Lomond from Luss.

Spend some enjoying the shoreline, with plenty of stop off points that are perfectly positioned for some cracking shots of the water. Look out for Tarbet, Luss, Duck Bay and Balmaha to name just a few. You could even head out on a canoe to explore some of the 30 islands that can be found along the water! These islands provide some alternative shots of the water, from an angle that many won’t venture to to capture.

There’s plenty more to see on a visit to the national park, including otters, golden eagles and the red squirrel! You’ll also benefit from some of the most beautiful night skies visible throughout Europe, perfect for those who love to stargaze and capture the beauty of the night.

Loch Lomond from Luss. And yes, it rained.

6. Snowdonia National Park, Wales

An obvious suggestion, however it comes with plenty of tips on which specific locations to head to on the bank holiday weekend! Snowdonia is quite large but with our suggestions, you’ll have a brilliant weekend enjoying the very best of scenery to be photographed here.

Enjoy a stroll along Cwm Idwal, a dramatic valley with some spectacular views of the mountain range. It takes just a short stroll to reach the valley’s lake, so you don’t have to walk to far for impressive photography if that’s what you’re hoping for. Alternatively, longer walks are available around the lake and can offer up some spectacular shots from the other side of the lake.

For a more lush green setting, head to Nant Gwynant that reaches from Pen-y-gwryd to Beddgelert. It’s a fantastic drive along the length of the valley, making it easy enough to take your equipment along with you! Alternatively, if you’re hoping for a walk, head to the Watkin path that runs up Snowdon, which begins in the valley itself.

View from the top of Snowdon.

7. Llyn Peninsula, Wales

A stunning 30-mile peninsula that reaches out to the Irish Sea, the Llyn Peninsula offers up some terrific seaside resorts, coastline walks and wonderful photography opportunities.

Stay in Abersoch, a lovely seaside village that attracts visitors from far and wide for some summer fun in the sun. Water sport fanatics are particularly fond of Abersoch, as are walkers alike! Take your camera along with you as you make your way slightly out of the village, for spectacular views of Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia.

A more quaint and secluded location is Porthdinllaen, a lovely little coast hamlet with pretty cottages overlooking the water that hugs the crescent shaped beach. Owned by the National Trust, there are no cars allowed here, providing the perfect opportunity to capture shots of a proper seaside setting.